FE exam assesses seniors

Last Saturday at 7 a.m., the first of 287 seniors began arriving to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. Three-hundred sixty-four students were eligible. The Fundamentals of Engineering is the beginning of the process it takes to become a licensed Professional Engineer (PE).

The exam is eight hours long, divided into two four hour segments. During the morning, all examinees take a general section, which contains questions over a broad base of knowledge that the exam assumes of all students. These topics include mathematics, probability and statistics, statics, dynamics, mechanics of materials, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, chemistry, material science, computer spreadsheets, engineering economics, and ethics. In the afternoon, students could choose among several different parts, including a second general section or any of the following engineering disciplines: chemical, civil, electrical, environmental, industrial, and mechanical.

“The sections I had focused on in my major were easy. The classes here really prepare you,” commented mechanical engineer Jesseca Zapf. Elaine Kratz, also a mechanical engineer, agreed: “I felt relatively well prepared. I feel like I breezed through the first half of the test.” Both Zapf and Kratz stated that the engineering economics section was either more challenging, or that they had not been prepared.

Preparing is not too difficult, provided classes were attended. “Review the equation book provided. Most of the answers can be found in that book,” advised Kratz.

“Buy a calculator early and use it ahead of time so you are used to it and can use its functions to your advantage. Study a bit, but don’t stress out about it. Concentrate on concepts that you aren’t familiar with or don’t remember well,” advised Zapf. Each year, National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) releases a list of acceptable calculators for the exam. This year, there were four calculators on the list.

The results of the exam are only reported as pass or fail, according to the NCEES, a national organization composed of engineering and surveying licensing boards from all U.S. states and territories and which administers the FE. The performance that is considered minimally acceptable is determined by a committee of subject-matter experts. Using a statistical method known as equating, they compare exams to this standard. The website states that “The goal of equating is to ensure that an examinee’s chances of passing remain constant regardless of the particular administration of the exam that was taken. Put another way, this means that an examinee is not penalized if the exam taken is more difficult than usual.” NCEES also makes an effort to identify flawed questions and take the most equitable course of action.

Rose-Hulman students typically fare quite well. “Historically, the Rose-Hulman passing rate is about 90%,” noted Roland Hutchins Distinguished Professor of Civil Engineering and chief proctor, James McKinney. McKinney noted that the FE is organized by Civil Engineering Secretary Kathy Nicoson, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering Kevin Sutterer, and himself.

What would make someone want to go through an exam like this?

“If you’re going to do work that affects the public, such as public safety, approving plans, or testifying before a jury, in a lot of cases, you’re required to be a professional engineer,” (often called a PE) explained McKinney.

“Anybody who has an engineering degree ought to take it,” said McKinney, who urged students to take the exam while still in school. “This exam covers the stuff you do in school.” He suggested that students take it now so that they are prepared to take the next step if they desire or are required by their job. After the FE, aspiring professional engineers must wait about four years and take on progressively greater leadership roles in projects. Then, they may take the Principles and Practice Exam. Another reason to take it while you are still a student is cost: the cost to college students to take the FE is $120, but after graduation, it is around four to five hundred dollars, and the examinee must find several references. However, Rose students that take the exam only pay a net amount of $20 thanks to the endowment of an emeritus member of the Rose-Hulman board of trustees. Upon completion of the exam, each student receives a $100 bill from a trust fund established by Shel Hennig.